VSU’s Kristen Johns Performs in Valentine’s Day Concert

VALDOSTA — Dr. Kristen M. Johns has played the horn since
she was 10 years old. The associate professor of music at Valdosta State University
was captivated by the brass instrument’s sound.

“It can be delicate and soothing and then bold and powerful,”
she said.

The VSU Department of Music will host a faculty recital
featuring Johns on the horn at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, in Whitehead
Auditorium. The concert is free of charge and open to the public.

Johns will perform four pieces of music, including Louis
Piantoni’s Air de Chasse for Horn and Piano, Carl Reinecke’s Trio for Piano,
Oboe, and Horn, Op. 188, and Francis Poulenc’s Sonata for Horn, Trumpet, and
Trombone and Sextet for Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, and Horn.
Throughout the evening, she will be joined by Dr. Susan Eischeid on oboe, Maila
Gutierrez Springfield on piano, Dr. Elizabeth Goode on flute, Dr. Sarah Cain on
clarinet, Dr. Shannon Lowe on bassoon, Dr. Doug Farwell on trombone, and
Eduardo Farias on trumpet.

“The audience will experience a wide range of musical styles
and sounds during this concert — largely because of the different instruments
in the chamber ensembles featured,” she said.

“I enjoy bringing old favorites and new music to audiences
for their enjoyment and enrichment,” she added.

Johns joined the university faculty in 1995. She teaches all
horn majors, as well as music history, introduction to music, fundamentals of
music, brass methods, and brass quintet chamber music.

“I enjoy watching students discover their own strengths and
interests, seeing their lives unfold, and helping them get where they want to
go,” she said.

Johns holds both a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of
Music from the College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati
and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Michigan. She serves as
principal horn in the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.

Whitehead Auditorium is located on the first floor of VSU’s
Fine Arts Building, at the intersection of Brookwood Drive and Oak Street.